By Andy Argyrakis

CHRISTMAS CONTINUED

As previously announced on these very pages, Amy Grant is turning in The Christmas Collection (Sparrow), which complies her best loved sounds of the season, plus a handful of new tracks. Touring titans Mannheim Steamroller also turn in A Candle Light Christmas (Universal Music Group), once again featuring the troupe’s symphonic sounds in programmed settings.

ALL ABOARD FOR ALT-ROCK

Alternative appreciators will also bask in this week’s plethora of releases, starting with Anberlin’s major label debut New Surrender (Universal Republic) after cutting its teeth at Tooth & Nail. Even with its mainstream appeal, Emery is sticking around the indie scene to drop Broken Hearts Prevail (Tooth & Nail), while newcomers Abandon attempt to reach national audiences via Searchlights (ForeFront). Also be on the lookout for InPop’s current prize Julian Drive on My Coming Day, plus the sophisticated piano pop stylings of faith-anchored mainstream artist Jon McLaughlin via OK Now (Island/Def Jam). McLaughlin’s project drops at Christian bookstores next week.

Enter our current Jon McLaughlin contest for your chance to win a copy of OK Now and an iPod Nano.

The prolific stream of album releases continues for modern worshippers Parachute Band, who follow-up 2007’s Roadmaps and Revelations with the new Technicolor (Integrity). The New Zealanders choose such a vibrant title to illustrate additional artistic strides that include taking praise to a more intimate and interesting level, with tracks penned by band members and some of their country’s most revered songwriters.

For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.